Determined to help the less fortunate, the Newcastle Municipality, in partnership with various NGOs and the private sector are committed to increasing efforts of assisting the less fortunate and vulnerable during lockdown.
“Our commitments and pledges are in line with the municipality’s goal of restoring the dignity of our people during this difficult time. The progression of the national lockdown to level 4 has not slowed our efforts of aiding our residents, in particular, those who find themselves in financial distress,” said Newcastle Mayor Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba.
Dr Mahlaba says to date, Newcastle Municipality has reinvigorated its efforts of reaching out to community members who are based within the municipality’s most rural parts.
“We’ve continuously rallied for the private sector to partner with religious leaders, community leaders and traditional leaders in identifying those in distress. The response has been very humbling and overwhelming, as most community members have responded to our clarion call.”
Furthermore, Dr Mahlaba says the municipality gives a special recognition to everyone that has dedicated their time and spearheaded the distribution of food to those who are less fortunate.
“I’ve been in constant communication with various religious leaders and captains of industries from within our municipality, in a bid to find solutions of addressing our challenges. We’ve agreed to convene an urgent teleconference to seek for results that will enable us to restructure our economy and save jobs,” he says.
Over the past week, a generous donation of food packs was delivered to Newcastle Municipality by plane from the South African Red Cross Society. This was done in partnership with various humanitarian organisations.
“We dispatched various voluntary teams who distributed the packs to disadvantaged members of the community,” the mayor explains.
On Sunday, May 3, Dr Mahlaba says the municipality was compelled to respond to pleas by several families in Normandien. Most of whom have gone to bed for several days without food.
Among the families were child-headed homes. As well as displaced farm workers and breadwinners who were recently laid off from work due to economic uncertainty for some businesses. “We swiftly called upon NGOs, businesses and religious organizations to join hands with us. We managed to assist some of these families,” Dr Mahlaba says.
However, the mayor says it is with dismay that the Newcastle Municipality discovered certain individuals are using the plight of the poor for self-enrichment.
Certain of these individuals are posing as community leaders in order to solicit funds from unsuspecting good Samaritans.
“We condemn such actions and we call upon community members to report these unscrupulous and unprincipled individuals to law enforcement authorities. We urge businesses to strictly make food donations and ensure that it’s the poor amongst us who are given preference. The municipality will work with the police and conduct its own investigation on the matter.”
Through partnering with various private entities, Dr Mahlaba says the municipality trying to reach as many people as possible.
However, due to the increasing numbers of people needing assistance, the municipality is encouraging community members to call the SASSA call centre on 0800 601 011 or (033) 846 3400.
The community can also call the Department of Social Development call centre on 087 158 3000. We also encourage struggling businesses to apply for the various government financial aid.
“We can definitely slow the pain and trauma caused by this invisible enemy called COVID-19, if we remain steadfast and united. As a municipality, we will continue to serve at the behest of our residents and will not catnap when we are needed the most,” concludes Dr Mahlaba.
